Exercise reduces metabolic syndrome in osteoarthritis patients

This study investigated the association between exercise and metabolic syndrome in patients with osteoarthritis

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels and high cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of osteoarthritis (OA, the wearing down of the cartilage between the joints). Improving metabolic syndrome can slow the progression of OA. Exercise is believed to improve metabolic syndrome. However, the extent to which exercise can improve metabolic syndrome is not known. 

This study aimed to determine the association between exercise and improvements in metabolic syndrome in osteoarthritis patients. This study involved 566 patients with osteoarthritis. 51% of participants had metabolic syndrome.

Participants wore an accelerometer (movement monitor) for a minimum of 10 hours a day, 4 to 7 days a week. The accelerometer measured the duration and intensity of physical activity. Only 9.6% of participants achieved the recommended moderate/vigorous exercise of 150 minutes per week. 

 A lack of physical activity was associated with a higher rate of metabolic syndrome. Participants with higher levels of ligh/moderate physical activity were 55% less likely to have metabolic syndrome than those with low levels of physical activity.

This study concluded that increased exercise is associated with a lower rate of metabolic syndrome in osteoarthritis patients.

The accelerometer cannot detect activities such as bicyclying, weightlifting and standing. In addition, it might have been useful to record the level of physical activity based on patient questionnaires also.  

Consult your physician regarding the importance of developing an exercise plan to improve metabolic syndrome.